“It was when I was a schoolgirl. I was going to school across the fields when a big hound belonging to Deacon Brown came after me. I ran as hard as I could, and then got into an apple tree that was standing near.”
“Did the dog tree you?”
“He did, and kept me there nearly an hour. I called as loudly as I could, and at last the deacon came to the place to learn what was the matter. He called the dog off and chained him up, and then I came down out of the tree. But I was so scared I did not get over it for several days.”
It was nearly dinner time, and Frank was asked by both Mr. and Mrs. Frost to remain to the meal.
“Oh, yes, you must stay,” put in Bobby. “And you must show my folks your books. Ma, he says he has a set of famous novels that you might like,” he went on, to his parent.
“Yes, I should like to look at your books,” answered Mrs. Frost.
In Frank’s honor the dinner was made quite an elaborate one, and it is perhaps needless to state that our hero did ample justice to all that was set before him. While eating, he related some of the adventures he had had on the road while selling books, and even Mr. Frost was interested in his narrative.
“There are lots of ups and downs in the business, just as in every venture,” said he. “But so long as you make a good living you need not complain.”
“On the contrary, I am very well satisfied,” answered Frank.
The meal over, our hero brought out his samples of books, and the whole family looked them over. The cattle and poultry work particularly interested Mr. Frost, and he said he would take a volume, especially as it seemed so up-to-date.